Wisconsin Salmonella Outbreak Investigated

According to WISN 12 News in Wisconsin, the Kenosha County Division of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak in that area. One case was reported to officials by a doctor last week.

Nine samples of food and stool were sent for testing to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in Madison, Wisconsin last Friday. Results will most likely be available this week. Apparently, more than 20 people were sickened, but only a few cases have been confirmed so far. The state health department has joined the investigation.

The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. About 1.2 million Americans are sickened by this pathogenic bacteria every year.

An outbreak is declared when two or more unrelated people are sick with the same strain of bacteria. Officials then interview patients, collect patient samples, food samples, and environmental samples, and conduct traceback investigations to determine the source of the bacteria.